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GOP voters pick a favorite to challenge Dem governor in early battleground straw poll

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The 2024 presidential election is just five months in the rearview, but the country is already trudging toward the 2026 midterms — at least at the annual Pennsylvania Leadership Conference.

In a straw poll of 267 conference participants from eight states, including Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania state Treasurer Stacy Garrity was the clear favorite to win the Republican primary for its 2026 gubernatorial election. She received 41% of the vote, as Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Penn., came in a distant second at 9%. 

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While 2026 is still long down the road, and neither Pennsylvania politician has formally announced a run, both Republicans embraced the opportunity to tease their potential bids. 

«Appreciate the support from conservatives across Pennsylvania. No decisions made yet—but I’m listening and focused on doing whatever it takes to help Republicans win in 2025 and beyond,» Garrity said following her straw poll win at the leadership conference. 

DEM TAKES AIM AT TRUMP, TILLIS IN 2026 SENATE LAUNCH VIDEO FOR ‘TANKING OUR ECONOMY’

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Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, right, received 41% of the straw poll vote, as Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Penn., came in a distant second at 9%. 

Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, right, received 41% of the straw poll vote, as Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Penn., came in a distant second at 9%.  (Getty Images)

Garrity made history in 2024 by receiving the most votes in a Pennsylvania state election – crushing Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2022 record by half a million votes. Garrity campaigned for re-election alongside Sen. Dave McCormick, who unseated longtime Democrat Sen. Bob Casey.

DEM GOVERNORS REVOLT AGAINST TRUMP’S ‘LIBERATION DAY’ TARIFFS

Shapiro wasn’t up for re-election in 2024, though his name was floated as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris. But 2026 presents an opportunity for Republicans to gain control of the state’s highest office. Speeches at the leadership conference prove that big Republican wins in 2024 have invigorated the party’s base in the traditionally competitive battleground state. 

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«We as a party are here as winners. The Keystone State sent President Trump back to the White House, sent Bob Casey back to Scranton, elected a Republican Attorney General for the first time in over a decade. And next November, the Keystone State will send a Republican to the Governor’s Mansion,» Garrity said during her remarks. 

Garrity emerged as the frontrunner in a hypothetical matchup against Meuser, 2022 GOP nominee Doug Mastriano, and state Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill and Scott Martin. If Garrity, a President Donald Trump ally, and Meuser decide to throw their names into the gubernatorial race, it could tee up a competitive primary. Both Pennsylvanian politicians have indicated announcements could come as early as this summer. 

Dave McCormick lands Pennsylvania GOP endorsement in 2024 Senate race

Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick, right, is joined on stage by state GOP auditor general Timothy DeFoor, left, and treasurer Stacy Garrity, center. (Dave McCormick campaign )

Garrity told the Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Saturday a decision on her gubernatorial bid is coming «probably in the summer.» Meuser, who also spoke at the conference, confirmed to Fox News Digital that his own decision will come by mid-summer or sooner. 

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«I’ve been encouraged by the strong support I’ve received from people all across Pennsylvania urging me to consider a run for governor. Right now, I’m doing my due diligence, meeting with stakeholders, and seriously evaluating how I can best serve the Commonwealth.

«I expect to make a decision by mid-summer, or sooner if appropriate. In the meantime, I’m staying focused on advancing President Trump’s America-First Agenda in Congress — growing our economy, securing the border, and unleashing American energy dominance,» Meuser told Fox News Digital. 

Rep. Dan Meuser

Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., leaves the U.S. Capitol after the last votes of the year on Dec. 14, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

As Garrity and Meuser continue representing Pennsylvania as they mull 2026 gubernatorial campaigns, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania told Fox News Digital they are «excited to have strong potential candidates» for governor. 

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«There is no question that Pennsylvanians are NOT better off with Josh Shapiro as our Governor, and they will be ready to make a change in November 2026. Shapiro’s scandal-ridden administration, combined with his recent use of $5 million of taxpayer money to promote antisemitism, have set the stage for a GOP victory. Republicans are excited to have strong potential candidates to be our next Governor,» the Republican Party of Pennsylvania said in a statement. 

JOSH SHAPIRO TELLS MAHER HE’S ‘DAMN PROUD’ OF BEING JEWISH, DODGES WHETHER IT FACTORED INTO VP SNUB IN 2024

Josh Shapiro

Democratic cubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro addresses the media after casting his ballot at the Rydal Elementary School West polling location on Nov. 8, 2022 in Rydal, Pennsylvania. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)

The Republican Party of Pennsylvania’s accusations relate to Shapiro’s $5 million donation to a Philadelphia Muslim community center. Front Page Magazine reported that an imam at the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society once said, «Jews are the vilest people.» Shapiro himself is Jewish. 

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Speaking on a Philadelphia stage after Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., was announced as Harris’ running mate in 2024, Shapiro assured the crowd, «I am proud of my faith,» following accusations Shapiro was snubbed for the job because of his support for Israel amid Democrat discontent over the war in Gaza. 

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The Republican Governor’s Association, Garrity and Shapiro did not immediately provide comment to Fox News Digital.

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Ignoraron sus síntomas durante 20 años y descubrieron que tenía una severa enfermedad

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Una mujer de 33 años pasó gran parte de su vida sufriendo dolores intensos sin conocer su verdadero diagnóstico. Según contó, pasó gran parte de su vida “tapando sus síntomas” porque los médicos ignoraban o desestimaban sus dolencias y a los 32 años descubrió que padecía una severa enfermedad.

Melissa Diamond, que actualmente tiene 33, empezó con fuertes malestares desde su primera menstruación, a los 12 años. El dolor era tal que tenía que cancelar todas sus actividades durante los días que duraba el periodo. Después de 20 años sin saber la razón de sus padecimientos, supo que tenía endometriosis.

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Mi viaje de salud comenzó cuando tenía doce años y tuve mi primer período. Inmediatamente tuve problemas, y el dolor era tan intenso que faltaba a la escuela y a las actividades regularmente”, contó la mujer estadounidense en una entrevista con People.

A los 14 años su ginecólogo encontró un quiste en su ovario y tuvo que someterse a una cirugía para que se lo extirparan. Después de eso, empezó a tomar pastillas: “Los médicos me inculcaron que necesitaba tomar anticonceptivos, de lo contrario los quistes volverían”, relató.

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Cuando llegó a los 20, empezó a pensar en su futuro en su fertilidad: “Quería explorar cómo sería la vida sin anticonceptivos para poder congelar mis óvulos, pero los médicos seguían diciéndome que tenía que seguir con él o podría terminar de vuelta en la sala de emergencias con un quiste roto”, recordó.

La mujer descubrió su diagnóstico 20 años después de empezar con los síntomas. (Foto: gentileza Melissa Diamond para People)

Cuando su médico accedió a la suspensión de las pastillas, empezó el calvario nuevamente: “Tuve períodos debilitantes y calambres que me sacarían del trabajo, un síndrome premenstrual horrible, y desarrollé graves problemas estomacales”, explicó.

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“Dije que pensaba que podría tener Síndrome de Ovario Poliquístico o endometriosis, (pero mi ginecólogo) me miró y dijo que no tenía esas cosas, que no tenía los síntomas principales, y su respuesta fue volver a tomar la píldora”, lamentó.

Diamond necesitaba respuestas, entonces visitó varios especialistas para tener otras opiniones: “Todos los médicos me dijeron que no había nada malo, que solo necesitaba volver a tomar anticonceptivos. Esa siempre fue la única respuesta”.

“Tenía dolor, pero simplemente viví con eso: fuertes dolores de estómago, diarrea, hinchazón horrible, dolor de espalda”, detalló y contó que ningún medicamento la ayudaba a sentirse mejor.

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Diamond terminó hospitalizada por sus dolores. (Foto: gentileza Melissa Diamond para People)

Diamond terminó hospitalizada por sus dolores. (Foto: gentileza Melissa Diamond para People)

Diamond fue ingresada en la sala de emergencias, donde le dijeron que los médicos no podían hacer nada por ella. “Realmente pensé que me estaba muriendo”, reveló, pero justo en ese momento todo empezó a cambiar.

“Una doctora muy amable se me acercó y me dijo que pensaba que tenía endometriosis. Ella me dijo que no estaban equipados para diagnosticarlo o tratarlo allí, y que necesitaba ver a un especialista”, recordó.

Finalmente, llegó al cirujano, el Dr. Tamer Seckin, jefe de la Fundación de Investigación de la Endometriosis: “Me hicieron una resonancia magnética pélvica, y aunque la endometriosis a menudo no aparece en las imágenes, la encontraron en todas partes”.

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El diagnóstico era severo; Diamond tuvo que someterse a una cirugía: “Extirparon veintitrés lesiones, tuvieron que extirpar mi apéndice, estaba por todas partes. Por toda mi pared pélvica, mis intestinos, vejiga y recto”.

“Algunas de las lesiones tenían veinte años de antigüedad. Todo el tiempo, tenía razón: algo andaba mal”, expresó Diamond indignada y agregó: “Estaba increíblemente enfadada y asustada (…) pensé en todos los médicos a lo largo de los años que me dijeron que nada estaba mal. Estaba llena de rabia porque todo el tiempo, realmente había algo”.

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“Compartir mi historia ha sido una experiencia maravillosa. Estoy tomando algo realmente triste y usándolo para ayudar a otras mujeres a defenderse a sí mismas. No estás sola. Hay millones de mujeres lidiando con esto, las animo a encontrar a otras personas y conectarse dentro de la comunidad endo. Da miedo lidiar con esto. Pero en un mundo en el que estamos silenciadas, tenemos que ser ruidosas”, concluyó.

enfermedad, sintomas, endometriosis, Estados Unidos

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Top Iranian official, commander killed in strike, Israel defense minister says

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Iranian Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani and Basij Commander Gholamreza Soleimani have both been killed, according to the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

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«I have just been updated by the Chief of Staff that Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and the head of the Basij — Iran’s central repression apparatus — Salimani, were eliminated last night and have joined Khamenei, the head of the annihilation program, along with all those eliminated from the axis of evil in the depths of hell,» Katz said, according to a translation provided to Fox News by his office.

The news comes more than two weeks since Israel launched a war against the Islamic Republic of Iran in conjunction with U.S. President Donald Trump.

«Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the regime’s effective leader, has been eliminated,» the Israel Defense Forces noted in a post on X.

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WHY GULF STATES AREN’T JOINING THE WAR AGAINST IRAN — DESPITE ATTACKS ON THEIR SOIL

Ali Larijani, left, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, who commands Basij forces.  (Courtney Bonneau/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images; Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

«Throughout the years, Larijani was considered one of the most veteran and senior figures within the Iranian regime leadership, and was a close associate of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. During the most recent wave of protests against the Iranian terror regime, Larijani personally oversaw the massacre that was carried out against Iranian protestors,» the post added.

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TRUMP SAYS IRAN’S MILITARY ‘DECIMATED,’ BUT STILL NOT DECLARING WAR OVER

Another IDF post noted, «Yesterday, the IDF targeted & eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who operated as commander of the Basij unit for the past 6 years. Under Soleimani, the Basij unit led the main repression operations in Iran, employing severe violence, widespread arrests, and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.»

Israel Katz

Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz in Athens, Jan. 20, 2026.  (Nick Paleologos/SOOC/AFP via Getty Images)

The U.S. government had previously indicated that it would offer a reward for information on Larijani.

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«Rewards for Justice is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on the key leaders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its component branches,» rewardsforjustice.net notes. «Under this reward offer, RFJ is seeking information on the following individuals,» the webpage notes, listing Larijani and others.

HAMAS REASSERTS CONTROL IN GAZA AS IRAN WAR DOMINATES REGIONAL ATTENTION AND GLOBAL FOCUS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump holds a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago club on Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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«Over a dozen Basij officials were targeted in Iran last night in different strikes, including the head of the Basij forces Gholamreza Soleimani. This was a joint U.S. and Israeli effort,» a senior Israeli official noted. «A strike in Tehran targeted the Basij commander and around a dozen others, including the most senior figures in the Basij forces—people with a lot of blood on their hands.»

Fox News’ Trey Yingst and Yonat Friling contributed to this report.

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Oil, gas prices jump as Trump flirts with striking Iranian oil infrastructure

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President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Iranian oil infrastructure could be a U.S. target sent oil and gasoline prices higher on Monday, as traders weighed the risk of a deeper confrontation that could further exacerbate global energy supplies.

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On Friday, Trump ordered strikes on military assets on Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategically vital island in the Persian Gulf that serves as Tehran’s largest oil terminal and a key hub for its crude exports. Over the weekend, he raised the prospect of another bombing raid targeting the island’s oil infrastructure.

«We can do that on five minutes’ notice. We have it all locked and loaded and ready to go if we want to do it,» he said. «We chose not to do it. I chose not to do it again. We’ll see what happens,» Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

TRUMP SAYS US ‘OBLITERATED’ MILITARY TARGETS IN STRIKE ON KEY IRANIAN OIL HUB: ‘POWERFUL BOMBING RAIDS’

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A satellite image shows an oil terminal at Kharg Island, Iran, Feb. 25, 2026. (2026 Planet Labs PBC/Handout via Reuters)

The island, located roughly 35 miles off Iran’s Bushehr province in the country’s southwest, is about the size of New York City’s Central Park but carries huge importance for Iran’s economy.

It has a loading capacity of about 7 million barrels per day, and roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports pass through it. Most of those exports are shipped to China and India, underscoring the island’s importance not only to Iran’s energy trade but also to broader global oil markets.

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Fears of a fresh strike sent oil prices higher Monday, as traders braced for the possibility that fighting could further disrupt exports from the Persian Gulf, including through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor for global energy supplies.

BEFORE-AND-AFTER SATELLITE IMAGERY OFFERS A RARE LOOK AT DAMAGE INSIDE IRAN

Satellite view showing the Strait of Hormuz connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman

A satellite image shows the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, vital for global energy supply. (Amanda Macias/Fox News Digital)

Those concerns helped drive oil above $100 a barrel last week for the first time since 2022, as fallout from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran roiled global markets and investors priced in the risk of tighter supply.

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Now, that surge is beginning to hit consumers. As crude prices climb, gasoline and diesel prices are rising quickly — especially diesel, which often reacts faster because of its close ties to freight and industrial demand.

As of March 16, AAA put the national average for regular gasoline at $3.70 a gallon, up 77 cents from a month earlier, while diesel climbed to $4.97, up $1.31 over the same period.

THE UNLIKELY TOOL TRUMP IS EYEING TO TACKLE RISING OIL PRICES AMID THE IRAN CONFLICT

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Price increases have not been spread evenly across the country. The lowest averages were in Kansas, North Dakota and Oklahoma, at roughly $3.08 to $3.14 a gallon, while the highest were in California, Hawaii and Washington.

«Americans today will spend $275 million more on gasoline than they did before the U.S. attacked Iran, now totaling nearly $2.5 billion since the start,» wrote Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

The run-up has extended beyond gasoline and diesel. 

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In the U.S., the Argus U.S. Jet Fuel Index — a daily benchmark averaging prices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York — climbed to $3.88 a gallon on Friday, after hovering mostly in the low-to-mid $2 range for weeks.

TRAVEL IS ABOUT TO GET MORE EXPENSIVE AS IRAN CONFLICT SPARKS JET FUEL CRUNCH

Higher fuel prices could ripple through the broader economy if they persist, raising costs for airlines, trucking firms and other businesses that depend heavily on transportation. For consumers, sustained increases at the pump also threaten to squeeze household budgets at a time when inflation remains a key concern.

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What happens next will likely depend on whether the conflict escalates further and whether oil infrastructure or major shipping lanes are affected. 

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With that risk in mind, the White House is weighing steps to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and considering the use of emergency oil stockpiles to help blunt the impact.

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Before boarding Air Force One for Mar-a-Lago late Friday, Trump told reporters the U.S. Navy may begin escorting tankers through the strait «very soon.»

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